Shrimp and coconut are the dream team in these irresistible recipes. From tropical curries to crispy bites and creamy pastas, there's something here for every craving. Each dish brings out the best of this bold, flavor-packed duo. … [Read more...]
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Quick Skillet Green Beans with Bacon
Green beans can turn soft and forgettable, but this skillet version with bacon fixes that fast. A simple step keeps them crisp while everything comes together in one pan with bold flavor. Instructions for garden-fresh green beans and frozen green beans, without them getting soggy. TL;DR We grow our own green beans and wax beans in the summer months, and at the end of … [Read more...]
Hutspot (Dutch Mashed Potatoes with Carrots and Onions)
Hutspot blends mashed potatoes, onions, and carrots into a cozy Dutch classic. Simple ingredients, big comfort, and perfect for colder days. TL;DR Hutspot is a Dutch comfort dish made of potatoes, carrots, and onions. The vegetables are mashed and served with a pork sausage or other pork main course meals. Belgian Flemish neighbors have a version of their own called … [Read more...]
Cream Cheese Bacon Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Cream cheese bacon puff pastry pinwheels are flaky, savory bites filled with creamy cheese and crispy bacon. They bake up golden and irresistible, making them a great appetizer for parties, holidays, or casual gatherings. TL;DR This recipe was inspired by my cousin Christina, who brought a batch of puff pastry pinwheels to one of our family gatherings a few years … [Read more...]
Spiced Carrot Breakfast Cookies
These carrot breakfast cookies bring together tender carrots, cardamom, and nuts in a lightly sweet baked treat. Spread over thin, crisp wafers before baking, they come out aromatic, satisfying, and perfect for starting the day. TL;DR Paul, my husband, came up with these cookies when carrots were in season and plentiful. The idea is to shred them small, infuse the … [Read more...]
Mini Brie-Stuffed Sweet Peppers
Mini Brie-Stuffed Sweet Peppers are the kind of bite-sized appetizer that disappears faster than you can set down the tray. TL;DR Creamy melted brie tucked inside naturally sweet peppers creates that perfect balance of rich and fresh, making them ideal for holidays, casual gatherings, or whenever you want something that looks impressive without much effort. Side Note: … [Read more...]
Shortcut Peanut Butter and Jelly Croissant
Sometimes you just want something warm and sweet without pulling out half the pantry. These shortcut peanut butter and jelly croissants come together fast with store-bought crescent dough and bake up flaky and golden and filled with that nostalgic PB and J flavor everyone knows. TL;DR We were chatting about flaky bakes such as French croissants and pain au chocolat … [Read more...]
Steak Chili with Beans
Take your chili game to the next level with this hearty steak chili with beans. This is a convenient one-pot, dump-and-cook dinner recipe. Perfect for a busy weeknight or for beginner cooks. TL;DR We love hearty chilis in the colder months of the year. They are easy to prepare and taste fantastic. This particular chili is made of beef steak chunks, beans, and a … [Read more...]
All-Purpose Soup Seasoning Recipe
A homemade seasoning blend designed to bring clear soups, broths, and stews to life without overpowering them. It adds depth, balance, and that comforting flavor you expect from a well-made pot of soup. TL;DR Specific herbs and spices are reserved for seasoning soups. I realized this wasn't necessarily common knowledge as I traveled the world. In central Europe, we … [Read more...]
Cream of Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup
A creamy soup with fresh broccoli florets, potato, and cheese. Add this flavor-packed, simple, one-pot soup to your weekly meal rotation. TL;DR We love broccoli cheese soup when the temperatures start to dip in the winter months, but eventually I felt that we needed another creamy, similar soup, in our weekly menu meal plan. Therefore, I came up with this broccoli … [Read more...]
Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipes That Always Hit the Spot
Cabbage and ground beef recipes carry that homemade taste everyone craves. They feel familiar, comforting, and perfect for gathering around the table. Cook them once, and they'll instantly become part of your weekly routine. … [Read more...]
Cacio e Pepe with Parmesan
Cacio e pepe is a classic Italian, Roman pasta dish with cheese and black pepper. Traditionally it is prepared with Pecorino cheese, this version calls for Italian Parmesan instead. TL;DR We toured Rome in April, and as we were about to take part in the yearly Rome birthday celebrations, we were told that the pope had passed away. Disappointed, we ended up in a … [Read more...]
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Skillet
Thinly sliced chicken breast pieces cook down with mushrooms in a creamy sauce that's full of flavor. You'll only need one skillet to bring this comforting dinner together. TL;DR A creamy chicken mushroom skillet meal. It's one of my simplest creations with chicken and mushrooms. It was mostly inspired by some of my other dishes, such as the chicken mushroom and white … [Read more...]
10 Minute Pickled Carrots (Refrigerator)
A super quick recipe for homemade pickled carrots. You will need a bunch of fresh carrots and some pantry ingredients to make these crunchy, juicy, perfect pickled carrots. TL;DR We have been preparing a lot more water-based, refrigerator vegetable pickles at home because they are almost effortless to prepare. Pickles are a great way to save the harvest of the season … [Read more...]
Fall Baked Brie with Fruit
Fall-themed fruits are roasted in a baking dish with brie cheese and then served hot with honey or maple syrup. These individually baked dishes can be served as a brunch or dessert for a special occasion or to treat yourself. TL;DR I just had an epiphany in the grocery store the other day as they were bringing out the first fall harvest-period fruits. A few sweet … [Read more...]
Butternut Squash Casserole
A golden baked butternut squash casserole brings cozy flavor to the table with its creamy texture and rich taste. This guide walks you through making it at home so you can serve it for any occasion, big or small. TL;DR I love dump-and-bake vegetable casserole dishes, especially if it's a seasonal vegetable that I get to use. Butternut squash makes for a delicious … [Read more...]
Spiced Plum Chutney Recipe
Fresh plums are turned into a silky smooth, spiced chutney. I created this recipe with a various selection of food combinations in mind. You can use it with your favorite meats, cheeses, breads, and vegetables as a dip, spread, or topping. TL;DR During plum season, I like to prepare a plum jam or plum chutney to retain the juicy fruit goodness of the late summer and … [Read more...]
Shredded Beef Salad
A refreshing salad with cooked and seasoned shredded beef and vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, and sweet corn. This salad can be a satisfying lunch meal or a salad served at a BBQ or grill event. TL;DR Paul had the idea to add shredded beef to a salad, and I thought it sounded fantastic! We prepared some BBQ-flavored shredded beef at home, which is super … [Read more...]
10 Minute Pickled Mango (Refrigerator)
A simple and effortless recipe to prepare pickled mangoes at home from scratch. You will need only a handful of pantry ingredients with your fresh mangoes. This recipe is a water-based mango pickle that requires no water-bath canning or special skills. TL;DR We have been busy preparing pickles all summer long, and a mango pickle couldn't be missing from the bucket … [Read more...]
Egg Salad Tomato Cheese Bologna Tramezzini
Soft Italian sandwiches, aka tramezzini, enhanced with an egg salad, tomato, cheese, bologna filling. Enjoy a lunch fit for an Italian! TL;DR If you ever get to travel across Italy, you will come across sandwiches known as tramezzini (plural tramezzini, singular tramezzino). These are prepared with crustless soft white Italian bread slices, and they come with all … [Read more...]
Stuffed Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats
Italian sausage fills tender zucchini for a low-carb dinner bursting with flavor. The cheesy topping turns golden and irresistible as it bakes. Quick prep makes it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste. TL;DR Italian pork sausage is flavorful and perfect for stuffing vegetables such as Zucchini. These zucchini boats are well balanced in terms of … [Read more...]
10 Minute Pickled Red Onions (Refrigerator)
In just a few minutes, you can effortlessly prepare fresh red onion slices using this straightforward recipe. Water bath canning is not necessary for this vinegar-based, no-boil, refrigerator recipe. This will save you time, and the pickled onion can be consumed within a few days. TL;DR We have been loving homemade pickled vegetables lately, and the red onion pickle … [Read more...]
Mini Tomato Bruschetta (Bruschettini)
These mini bruschette are packed with juicy tomatoes and Italian flavor in every crisp bite. Perfect for aperitivo or as a colorful starter at any gathering. They vanish fast, so be ready to make a second batch. TL;DR Tomato bruschetta is a wonderful Italian appetizer or snack bite. These bites are made of fresh tomatoes and crunchy toasted bread slices. Normally … [Read more...]
Spiced Asian Cabbage Bacon Skillet
A one-pan Asian-inspired spiced skillet meal with cabbage and bacon as the star ingredients. This is a speedy dinner meal idea that is perfect all year long. I prepare it when I'm late, in a hurry, or starving. TL;DR This bacon and cabbage dish was initially inspired by my fast chicken and cabbage stir fry. Minimal ingredients, but it's a flavorful dish that won't … [Read more...]
Vegetable Casserole Recipes for Every Season
Vegetable casserole recipes that actually taste amazing and don't take hours to prep. These cozy ideas work for weeknights, potlucks, or when the fridge is full of produce that needs using. Find out how to turn simple vegetables into satisfying oven-ovenbaked meals. … [Read more...]
Jostaberry Jam Recipe
This jostaberry jam is made with 2 ingredients, and it's all natural, without the addition of artificial ingredients. You will love this jam if you have fresh-harvested jostaberries at home or if you have a frozen batch that needs to be used up. TL;DR The jostaberries are cooked down with sugar to a jam as per our French method at home. Jostaberries are tart and a … [Read more...]
10 Minute Pickled Cucumber Slices (Refrigerator)
A simple recipe to prepare fresh pickled cucumber slices in ease within minutes. This is a vinegar-based, no boil, refrigerator recipe which doesn't require water bath canning. It will save you time and the cool cucumber slices can be enjoyed within days. TL;DR We came across the most delightful sliced jarred cucumbers on a grocery shopping trip in Budapest, Hungary, … [Read more...]
Small Batch Passion Fruit Jam Recipe
Passion Fruits are fantastic tropical fruits that deserve to be turned into a sweet and tangy jam. Here is how I prepare my passion fruit jam at home with our homegrown passion fruits. TL;DR Passion fruits are tart, pulpy, super fruity, fragrant, tropical fruits. It's also known as Maracuja in some languages. We grow them in our garden in Goa, we have 2 varieties, … [Read more...]
Skillet Parmesan Garlic Asparagus
A flavor-packed, easy-to-prepare skillet asparagus side dish, seasoned with garlic and parmesan. This recipe is beginner-friendly and ready within minutes. TL;DR A simple side dish to use fresh green spring asparagus. The asparagus is trimmed and briefly cooked in a pan to infuse it with garlic. Grated parmesan is used to add a cheesy touch to this dish, and the … [Read more...]
Poultry Seasoning (Salt Free)
A salt-free poultry seasoning to add flavors to your chicken, duck, and turkey meat cuts. I have designed this spice blend with flavor, practicality, health (sodium reduced) and availability of spice pantry ingredients in mind. TL;DR I find commercially available poultry seasonings often lacking flavor and quality ingredients. Many include salt and oils. Salt to … [Read more...]
How to make Cashew Fruit Juice
Instructions to make Cashew fruit juice at home. Cashew seeds are attached to the fruit, and the cashew fruit apple is tender and tastes delightful when turned into a refreshing juice. Fruit Info Cashew fruits are the fruits of the famed cashew nuts that you get in stores. The seed pod grows and hangs at the bottom of the fruit. The “nut” is extracted from the seed … [Read more...]
Tuna Cucumber Sushi Roll
A Japanese tuna sushi roll, aka makizushi or maki sushi, that you can prepare at home with cooked and seasoned sushi rice. This is the only true Japanese sushi recipe that I'm sharing. All our other inside-out sushi rolls are Japanese inspired and technically very Western. TL;DR Tuna sushi is prepared with raw tuna (not the canned stuff!). Because it's raw fish, I … [Read more...]
Instant Mayonnaise Aioli Dip
A shortcut garlic aioli prepared with mayonnaise to save time and effort in the kitchen. This is my lazy aioli recipe version, and you will appreciate this recipe if you don't want to go through the steps to whip up a classic garlic aioli. TL;DR A classic aioli is prepared with olive oil and garlic, and the combo activates a smooth, creamy emulsion when the garlic is … [Read more...]
2 Ingredient Fry Sauce Recipe
The fry sauce is everyone's favorite at home because it takes only 2 ingredients, and it tastes great with french fries, wedges, chicken tenders and more. In Europe, this sauce is known as a Cocktail sauce (which is not related to the American cocktail sauce) or red white sauce. Ingredient Notes You will need two ingredients that every sauce lover keeps in the … [Read more...]
No-Oil Lemon Rice Egg Drop Soup
Citrus flavors have lately made this wholesome rice egg drop soup a highlight in my kitchen. I created this soup with simplicity, sustainability, and ease of preparation in mind, and therefore this soup doesn't contain any oil. TL;DR The broth is first infused with freshly grated lemon zest, squeezed lemon juice, and seasoning. Eggs are then dropped in with the … [Read more...]
Garlic Herb Seasoning (Salt Free)
A salt-free garlic herb seasoning that you can easily mix together within minutes at home. Make this homemade herb seasoning blend just the way you need and like it! TL;DR This Mediterranean influenced herb and garlic seasoning doesn't include salt because you don't need salt in a seasoning blend. Salt can always be added and adjusted in a dish at a later time. I … [Read more...]
Grapefruit Infused Water
Water infused with grapefruit is a fruit flavored water that will help you to stay hydrated all day long. Flavor infused waters are also known as spa waters or detox waters. TL;DR I love eating grapefruits and when bottled grapefruit water was popularized in Europe, I couldn't stop drinking this instead of plain water. Flavored waters are super common in Europe and … [Read more...]
14 Asparagus Skillet Recipes for Quick Dinners and Easy Sides
Celebrate spring with the ongoing asparagus season and make this fantastic produce the star of your plate tonight. Green asparagus is specifically easy to prepare in a skillet. Tender stalks just need minutes to get cooked, and they are very forgiving and beginner home cook friendly. I have added a few of our current favorite asparagus skillet recipes further below and, … [Read more...]
Italian Salad Pizza
A Salad Pizza has been trending in Europe and if you have visited Italy lately, you will have come across this pizza in a takeaway place. Here is how you can create this refreshing and aesthetically pleasing pizza at home! TL;DR Salad Pizza (or Pizza Salad) is a pizza crust baked and topped with fresh ingredients just before it's served. The pizza is enjoyed at … [Read more...]
10-Minute Garlic Spinach Skillet
A simple garlic spinach dish prepared in the skillet within minutes. This is a side dish that pairs well with most main course meals. The garlic and olive oil accentuate the beautiful green, earthy spinach flavors, and it's one of our all-time favorite side dishes at home. Ingredient Notes Process Overview Step 1 Prep fresh ingredients. Rinse and pat dry spinach; … [Read more...]